ADDISON — The annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day in Addison is set this year for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Activities at Dead Creek Wildlife Day are designed especially for people who enjoy hunting, fishing, bird watching or learning about Vermont’s diverse wildlife. The event will be held at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Route 17 west of Route 22A.
Early risers can begin the day with bird banding demonstrations at 7 a.m. Two large tents at the Dead Creek WMA headquarters will open at 9:30 a.m. and feature wildlife-related exhibits and activities such as decoy carving, building bluebird boxes and wildlife photography.
The day’s main activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and include nature walks, illustrated talks, live wildlife presentations, hunting dog demonstrations, fishing and hunting tips and much more. All events are free, and a free shuttle bus will provide regular access to nearby field events throughout the day.
A new attraction this year is the Dead Creek Wildlife Day Wild Game Cooking Contest. Fish & Wildlife is asking that entrants to nominate their best wild game recipe in an email to [email protected] with “Dead Creek Day Cooking Contest” in the subject line. Call 802-828-1193 with any questions. All entrants will need to provide their own way to keep their contest entry warm. Judging will be done by anonymous ballot. Tickets will be distributed upon entry. Voting and tasting will occur from 2-3 p.m. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.
This festival is hosted by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, VermontDepartment of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and Otter Creek Audubon Society.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) and check under Watch Wildlife.